For Allendale East greyhound trainer David Peckham it was a case of celebrating his 50th birthday at last Sunday’s Tara Raceway meeting with a win by Bourne Sid as well as having his name drawn for the Da’Leni Meats members’ meat tray.
One of Mount Gambier’s leading trainers, Peckham’s win with the son of Superior Panama and Sweet On Me had certainly been overdue given the black dog’s last win (also his first) had been at the local track in December last year.
And after spending most of the first half of this year with Briagolong trainer Matt Clark, Bourne Sid returned to Peckham’s Bourne Kennels – contesting the first heat of the Tara Tipsters Trainers’ Challenge (400 metres) when resuming from injury.
Formulated by long-time Tara Tipster Kevin Douglas, the Trainers’ Challenge was open to any trainer who had been involved in at least one Tara Tipster series which commenced back in 2020. Run over 400 metres, the heats and final race is a non-penalty event for 1-4 wins greyhounds.
As it turned out, Bourne Sid and his younger half-brother Bourne Franky (by Feral Franky), had the first heat to themselves with only three-quarters of a length separating the pair on the line in a time of 23.41 seconds.
In the other heat, Bourne Franky’s sister Bourne Swift gave plenty of cheek early, leading until the home turn before Aston Blend took up the running and went on for a 3¼ length win over Cricket Tragic in 23.42 seconds.
Aston Blend, a son of Hooked On Scotch and Aston Glow, is owned by Mark Roberts and trained by his son Christian. Since joining their Terang kennel a month ago, the fawn dog has raced on six occasions for four wins at Mount Gambier and Warrnambool.
Joining Bourne Sid, Bourne Franky, Aston Blend and Cricket Tragic in the final are Glencoe trainer Dean Fennell’s litter sisters Saint Finnie and Saint Raine.
Wins by Ernie The Brute and Paw Some Storm brought up their second double this year for Millicent schoolteacher-come greyhound trainer Dave Green after the pair had previously won on Thursday, August 1.
In last Sunday’s Williams Crane Hire Mixed Stake (600 m), Ernie The Brute settled in second spot behind Starlight Jewel before taking up the running down the back and eventually finishing a length winner over the early leader in 35.39 seconds.
Once again the older greyhounds (3¾ years and upwards) were catered for in the Icon Signs Masters Stake (305 m). And it was Paw Some Storm who continued his consistent form in these events when leading all the way and defeating Chief Pow Wow by seven lengths in 17.65 seconds.
Green also landed a double on Sunday, September 8 with Sher Zany over 732 metres and Ernie The Brute (512 m).
Meanwhile, Mount Gambier Greyhound Racing Club manager Mark Dwyer continues to do well with recent purchase Canya Striker, a winner of four races from six starts since relocating to South Australia and Tim Richards’ Meningie kennels.
The son of Shima Shine and Joyful opened his Angle Park winning account last week with a win over 595 metres before backing up last Sunday night at Gawler where he won by 8¼ lengths over 643 metres.
And the Captain Abbott owned and trained Mister Cadillac won his first race away from Tara Raceway when successful at Angle Park on Monday night over the 342 m sprint journey.
Away well from box eight, the son of Magical Bale and Koa Lass settled in second spot before railing through on the early leader Kilkerran and running out a two length winner in 19.52 seconds.
With five wins, 16 seconds and five thirds at Tara Raceway Category 2 meetings this year, Mister Cadillac has now accumulated 52 points in the 2024 Mount Gambier Greyhound of the Year (GOTY) award.
He is currently seven points clear of kennelmate Top Cadillac who also made the trip to Angle Park on Monday night and finished third to Pudding Monelli over 530 metres.
There are now six Category 2 meetings remaining this year at Tara Raceway in which GOTY points are able to be scored.